Thermoplastic resin and method of preparing the same

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a thermoplastic resin having excellent impact strength, gloss, fluidity, and non-whitening properties and a method of preparing the same. The thermoplastic resin including an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A), or an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A) and a matrix resin (B) including one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, an alkyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate, wherein a total content of the alkyl acrylate is 20 to 50% by weight, and a butyl acrylate coverage value (X) as calculated by Equation 1 below is 50 or more. 
         X ={( G−Y )/ Y }×100  [Equation 1]
 
     In Equation 1, G represents the total gel content (%) of the thermoplastic resin, and Y represents the content (% by weight) of butyl acrylate in the gel of the thermoplastic resin.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0089479, filed on Jul. 20, 2020, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0091420, re-filed on Jul. 13, 2021, based on the priority of the above patent, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a thermoplastic resin. More particularly, the present invention relates to a thermoplastic resin having excellent impact strength, gloss, fluidity, and colorability and being capable of preventing occurrence of whitening when bent or struck due to excellent non-whitening properties thereof; and a method of preparing the thermoplastic resin.

BACKGROUND ART

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resins (hereinafter referred to as “ABS resins”) based on conjugated diene rubber have excellent processability, mechanical properties, and appearance properties, and thus have been widely used in electric and electronic products, automobiles, small toys, furniture, construction materials, and the like. However, since ABS resins are based on butadiene rubber containing an unsaturated bond that is chemically unstable, ABS resins have very poor weather resistance due to aging of the rubber polymer by ultraviolet light. Thus, ABS resins are not suitable as outdoor materials. To solve these problems, a method of painting an ABS resin has been proposed. However, painting causes environmental pollution. In addition, painted products are difficult to recycle, and the durability thereof is degraded.

To overcome these problems of ABS resins, acrylic copolymers typified by acrylate-styrene-acrylonitrile graft copolymers (hereinafter referred to as “ASA resins”) not containing an ethylenically unsaturated bond have been used. ASA resins have excellent physical properties, such as processability, impact resistance, chemical resistance, and weather resistance, and thus have been used in various fields, such as materials for buildings, interior and exterior materials for automobiles and motorcycles, electric and electronic products, ships, leisure goods, and gardening goods. In addition, there is increasing demand for ASA resins. However, in terms of appearance properties, such as colorability, ASA resins are inferior to painted ABS resins. In addition, the level of weather resistance demanded by the market is increasing. However, ASA resins are insufficient to meet this demand.

In addition, as the importance of aesthetics increases in the market, research is being conducted to realize a luxurious appearance and excellent colorability and weather resistance by finishing the outer surfaces of substrates, such as ABS, PVC, and steel sheets, with thermoplastic resins. Such a finishing material is mainly manufactured in the form of a film and then processed into a final product through a process such as bending or folding according to the shape of a substrate to which the finishing material is applied. However, due to the characteristics of a thermoplastic ASA resin, when the above-described finishing treatment is performed at room temperature, whitening occurs, thereby losing the original color of the resin and deteriorating aesthetics.

According to analysis results, whitening is caused by voids due to cracks occurring inside a thermoplastic resin during bending. To solve this problem, a method of improving whitening properties through adjusting a rubber content in a thermoplastic resin or softening of a thermoplastic resin by mixing the thermoplastic resin and an elastomer have been proposed. However, when these methods are applied, occurrence of whitening may be suppressed to some extent, but mechanical properties, colorability, surface gloss, and the like are deteriorated. To date, development of a thermoplastic resin composition in which all of these properties are excellent and having satisfactory non-whitening properties is insufficient.

RELATED ART DOCUMENTS Patent Documents

-   JP 1995-033470 B2

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is one object of the present invention to provide a thermoplastic resin having excellent impact strength, gloss, weather resistance, colorability, and fluidity and being capable of preventing occurrence of whitening when bent or struck due to excellent non-whitening properties thereof; and a method of preparing the thermoplastic resin. In addition, it is another object of the present invention to provide a molded article manufactured using the thermoplastic resin.

The above and other objects can be accomplished by the present invention described below.

Technical Solution

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, provided is a thermoplastic resin including an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A), or an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A) and a matrix resin (B) including one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, an alkyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate, wherein a total content of the alkyl acrylate is 20 to 50% by weight, and a butyl acrylate coverage value (X) as calculated by Equation 1 below is 50 or more:

X={(G−Y)/Y}×100,  [Equation 1]

wherein, G represents a total gel content (%) of the thermoplastic resin, and Y represents a content (% by weight) of butyl acrylate in the gel of the thermoplastic resin.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, provided is a thermoplastic resin including an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A), or an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A) and a matrix resin (B) including one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, an alkyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate, wherein a total content of the alkyl acrylate is 20 to 50% by weight, and an elution amount of butyl acrylate in acetone is 0.1% by weight or more.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, provided is a thermoplastic resin including an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A), or an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A) and a matrix resin (B) including one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, an alkyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate, wherein a total content of the alkyl acrylate is 20 to 50% by weight, and the copolymer (A) includes 25 to 50% by weight of alkyl acrylate rubber (a-1) having a DLS average particle diameter of 40 to 120 nm or a TEM average particle diameter of 25 to 100 nm and 50 to 75% by weight of an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate copolymer (a-2) based on 100% by weight in total of the copolymer (A).

Preferably, the thermoplastic resin may include 50 to 100% by weight of the alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A) and 0 to 50% by weight of the matrix resin (B) including one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, an alkyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate.

Preferably, when the thermoplastic resin is eluted using acetone, an elution amount of butyl acrylate may be 0.1% by weight or more.

Preferably, based on 100% by weight in total of the copolymer (A), the copolymer (A) may include 25 to 50% by weight of alkyl acrylate rubber (a-1) having a DLS average particle diameter of 40 to 120 nm or a TEM average particle diameter of 25 to 100 nm and 50 to 75% by weight of an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate copolymer (a-2).

Preferably, the copolymer (A) may have a grafting degree of 60 to 200%, and the copolymer (a-2) may have a weight average molecular weight of 40,000 to 120,000 g/mol.

Preferably, the thermoplastic resin, the rubber (a-1), or both the thermoplastic resin and the rubber (a-1) may have a glass transition temperature of −50 to −20° C.

Preferably, the rubber (a-1) may further include an alkyl methacrylate. In this case, based on 100% by weight in total of the rubber (a-1), the alkyl methacrylate may be included in an amount of 0.1 to 25% by weight.

Preferably, based on 100% by weight in total of the copolymer (a-2), the copolymer (a-2) may be a copolymer including 80 to 99.9% by weight of an alkyl methacrylate and 0.1 to 20% by weight of an alkyl acrylate.

Preferably, the copolymer (A) may have a grafting frequency of 0.05 to 0.375% as calculated by Equation 2 below.

Grafting frequency (%)=[Grafting degree/{Weight average molecular weight of parts excluding rubber}]×100  [Equation 2]

Preferably, the matrix resin (B) may include one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound-vinyl cyanide compound copolymer, an aromatic vinyl compound-vinyl cyanide compound-alkyl methacrylate copolymer, an alkyl methacrylate polymer, and an alkyl methacrylate-alkyl acrylate copolymer, and may further include an aromatic vinyl compound-vinyl cyanide compound-alkyl acrylate copolymer.

Preferably, when the thermoplastic resin is extruded to obtain a film having a thickness of 0.15 mm, and a 1 kg weight is vertically dropped onto the film from a height of 100 mm at a temperature of 23° C. using a Gardner impact tester, a difference in haze values measured before and after impact according to ASTM D1003-95 for an area hit by the weight may be 10 or less.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, provided is a method of preparing a thermoplastic resin, the method including a step of kneading and extruding an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A), or an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A) and a matrix resin (B) including one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, an alkyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate, wherein a total content of the alkyl acrylate included in the thermoplastic resin is 20 to 50% by weight, and a butyl acrylate coverage value (X) of the thermoplastic resin as calculated by Equation 1 below is 50 or more:

X={(G−Y)/Y}×100,  [Equation 1]

wherein G represents a total gel content (%) of the thermoplastic resin, and Y represents a content (% by weight) of butyl acrylate in the gel of the thermoplastic resin.

Preferably, the graft copolymer (A) may be prepared by a method including a step of emulsion-polymerizing 100 parts by weight in total of a monomer mixture including 25 to 50% by weight of alkyl acrylate rubber having a DLS average particle diameter of 40 to 120 nm or a TEM average particle diameter of 25 to 100 nm and 50 to 75% by weight of an alkyl acrylate compound and an alkyl methacrylate compound.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, provided is a molded article including the thermoplastic resin.

Preferably, the molded article may be a finishing material.

Advantageous Effects

According to the present invention, by adjusting the particle diameter and content of rubber included in the resin, grafting degree, molecular weight, and the gel content of the resin, a thermoplastic resin having excellent impact strength, weather resistance, gloss, colorability, and fluidity and being capable of preventing occurrence of whitening when bent or struck due to excellent non-whitening properties; and a method of preparing the thermoplastic resin can be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 includes images taken after bending, in the Md and Td directions, films manufactured in an example (left image) and a comparative example (right image) to check whether whitening occurs.

FIG. 2 includes images taken after hitting, using a Gardner impact tester, films manufactured in an example (left image) and a comparative example (right image) to check whether whitening occurs.

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, a thermoplastic resin of the present invention will be described in detail.

The present inventors conducted studies to develop an ASA resin capable of providing a finishing material having a luxurious appearance. As a result of such study, the present inventors confirmed that, when formation of voids due to cracking was minimized by reducing the distance between rubber particles and increasing grafting degree to a predetermined range, non-whitening properties were significantly improved. Based on these results, the present inventors conducted further studies to complete the present invention.

In this description, a resin does not mean only a single (co)polymer, and may include two or more (co)polymers as main components.

In this description, the composition ratio of a (co)polymer may mean the content of units constituting the (co)polymer, or may mean the content of units fed during polymerization of the (co)polymer.

A thermoplastic resin of the present invention includes an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A), or an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A) and a matrix resin (B) including one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, an alkyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate, wherein a total content of the alkyl acrylate is 20 to 50% by weight, and a butyl acrylate coverage value (X) as calculated by Equation 1 below is 50 or more. In this case, impact resistance, weather resistance, and molding processability may be excellent. In addition, whitening does not occur when bent or struck. That is, non-whitening properties may be excellent.

X={(G−Y)/Y}×100  [Equation 1]

In Equation 1, G represents the total gel content (%) of the thermoplastic resin, and Y represents the content (% by weight) of butyl acrylate in the gel of the thermoplastic resin.

As another example, the thermoplastic resin of the present invention includes 50 to 100% by weight of an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A) and 0 to 50% by weight of a matrix resin (B) including one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, an alkyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate, wherein an X value as calculated by Equation 1 below is 50% or more. In this case, impact resistance, weather resistance, and molding processability may be excellent, and due to excellent non-whitening properties, whitening does not occur upon bending.

X(%)={(G−Y)/Y}×100  [Equation 1]

In Equation 1, G represents the total gel content (%) of the thermoplastic resin, and Y represents the content (% by weight) of butyl acrylate in the gel of the thermoplastic resin.

In addition, as another example, the thermoplastic resin of the present invention includes an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A), or an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A) and a matrix resin (B) including one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, an alkyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate, wherein a total content of the alkyl acrylate is 20 to 50% by weight, and an elution amount of butyl acrylate using acetone is 0.1% by weight or more. In this case, impact resistance, weather resistance, and molding processability may be excellent, and due to excellent non-whitening properties, whitening does not occur upon bending.

In addition, as another example, the thermoplastic resin of the present invention includes an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A), or an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A) and a matrix resin (B) including one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, an alkyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate, wherein a total content of the alkyl acrylate is 20 to 50% by weight, and the copolymer (A) includes 25 to 50% by weight of alkyl acrylate rubber (a-1) having a DLS average particle diameter of 40 to 120 nm or a TEM average particle diameter of 25 to 100 nm and 50 to 75% by weight of an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate copolymer (a-2) based on 100% by weight in total of the copolymer (A). In this case, impact resistance, weather resistance, and molding processability may be excellent, and due to excellent non-whitening properties, whitening does not occur upon bending.

In this description, when measuring gel content, 30 g of acetone is added to 0.5 g of dry powder of a thermoplastic resin, agitation is performed at 210 rpm and room temperature for 12 hours using a shaker (SKC-6075, Lab Companion Co.), centrifugation is performed at 18,000 rpm and 0° C. for 3 hours using a centrifuge (Supra R30, Hanil Science Co.) to separate only insoluble matter that is not dissolved in acetone, and the separated insoluble matter is dried via forced circulation at 85° C. for 12 hours using a forced convection oven (OF-12GW, Lab Companion Co.). Then, the weight of the dried insoluble matter is measured, and gel content is calculated by Equation 3 below.

Gel content (%)={Weight of insoluble matter (gel)/Weight of sample}×100  [Equation 3]

In this description, when measuring grafting degree, 30 g of acetone is added to 0.5 g of dry powder of a graft polymer, agitation is performed at 210 rpm and room temperature for 12 hours using a shaker (SKC-6075, Lab Companion Co.), centrifugation is performed at 18,000 rpm and 0° C. for 3 hours using a centrifuge (Supra R30, Hanil Science Co.) to separate only insoluble matter that is not dissolved in acetone, and the separated insoluble matter is dried via forced circulation at 85° C. for 12 hours using a forced convection oven (OF-12GW, Lab Companion Co.). Then, the weight of the dried insoluble matter is measured, and grafting degree is calculated by Equation 4 below.

Grafting degree (%)=[Weight (g) of grafted monomers/Weight (g) of rubber]×100  [Equation 4]

In Equation 4, the weight of grafted monomers is a value obtained by subtracting the weight (g) of rubber from the weight of insoluble matter (gel) obtained by dissolving a graft copolymer in acetone and performing centrifugation, and the weight (g) of rubber is the weight of rubber components theoretically included in the graft copolymer powder.

In this description, DLS average particle diameter may be measured by dynamic light scattering, and specifically, may be measured as an intensity value using a sample in the form of latex and using a particle size analyzer (Nicomp CW380, PPS Co.) in a Gaussian mode. As a specific example, 0.1 g of latex having a solids content of 35 to 50% by weight is diluted with 100 g of deionized water to prepare a sample, and the DLS average particle diameter of the sample may be measured at 23° C. using a particle size analyzer (Nicomp CW380, PPS Co.) in a measurement method using auto-dilution and flow cells, and in a measurement mode of dynamic light scattering/intensity 300 kHz/intensity-weight Gaussian analysis.

In this description, TEM average particle diameter may be measured using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Specifically, the TEM average particle diameter refers to a value obtained by numerically measuring particle size on a high magnification image of a TEM and averaging the measurement results. In this case, a specific measurement example is as follows:

-   -   Sample preparation: Thermoplastic resin pellets prepared using         an extrusion kneader     -   Sample pretreatment: Trimming (23° C.)— hydrazine treatment (72°         C., 5 days)→sectioning (−120° C.)→OsO₄ vapor staining (2 hours)     -   Analyzer: TEM (JEM-1400, Jeol Co.)     -   Analysis conditions: Acc. Volt: 120 kV, spot size: 1 (×10K,         ×25K, ×50K)     -   Size (average particle diameter) measurement: An average value         of the largest diameters of each of particles in the top 10% of         a particle diameter distribution is measured.

Here, the average value of the largest diameters of each of particles in the top 10% of a particle diameter distribution may mean an arithmetic mean value of the top % of the largest diameters of each of 100 or more particles randomly selected from a TEM image.

Hereinafter, each component constituting the thermoplastic resin of the present invention will be described in detail.

(A) Copolymer

The copolymer (A) includes an alkyl acrylate and an alkyl methacrylate, and is included in an amount of 50 to 100% by weight based on 100% by weight in total of the thermoplastic resin.

For example, based on 100% by weight in total of the copolymer (A), the copolymer (A) may include 25 to 50% by weight, preferably 30 to 50% by weight, more preferably 35 to 50% by weight of alkyl acrylate rubber (a-1) having a DLS average particle diameter of 40 to 120 nm or a TEM average particle diameter of 25 to 100 nm and 50 to 75% by weight, preferably 50 to 70% by weight, more preferably 50 to 65% by weight of an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate copolymer (a-2). Within this range, gloss, non-whitening properties, and impact resistance may be excellent. The rubber (a-1) preferably has a DLS average particle diameter of 45 to 110 nm, more preferably 50 to 100 nm and a TEM average particle diameter of 27 to 95 nm, more preferably 30 to 90 nm. Within this range, colorability and weather resistance may be excellent without reducing mechanical strength.

In this description, the graft copolymer (A) including the alkyl acrylate rubber (a-1) and the alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate copolymer (a-2) means a graft copolymer (A) including the alkyl acrylate rubber (a-1) and the alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate copolymer (a-2) surrounding the alkyl acrylate rubber (a-1). In addition, the graft copolymer (A) may be represented as a graft copolymer (A) prepared by graft-polymerizing an alkyl acrylate and an alkyl methacrylate onto the alkyl acrylate rubber (a-1).

For example, the copolymer (A) may have a grafting degree of 60 to 200%, and the copolymer (a-2) may have a weight average molecular weight of 40,000 to 120,000 g/mol. Within these ranges, molding processability and non-whitening properties may be excellent. The copolymer (A) preferably has a grafting degree of 60 to 150%, more preferably 65 to 130%, still more preferably 70 to 130%. Within this range, non-whitening properties may be excellent without deterioration in impact resistance and molding processability. The copolymer (a-2) preferably has a weight average molecular weight of 40,000 to 110,000 g/mol, more preferably 50,000 to 100,000 g/mol. Within this range, molding processability and non-whitening properties may be excellent without reducing impact resistance.

In this description, unless otherwise defined, weight average molecular weight may be measured using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as an eluate through gel permeation chromatography (GPC, Waters Breeze). In this case, weight average molecular weight is obtained as a relative value to a polystyrene (PS) standard sample. As a specific measurement example, the weight average molecular weight may be measured under conditions of solvent: THF, column temperature: 40° C., flow rate: 0.3 ml/min, sample concentration: 20 mg/ml, injection amount: 5 μl, column model: 1×PLgel 10 μm MiniMix-B (250×4.6 mm)+1×PLgel 10 μm MiniMix-B (250×4.6 mm)+1×PLgel 10 μm MiniMix-B Guard (50×4.6 mm), equipment name: Agilent 1200 series system, refractive index detector: Agilent G1362 RID, RI temperature: 35° C., data processing: Agilent ChemStation S/W, and test method (Mn, Mw and PDI): OECD TG 118.

For example, the rubber (a-1) may have a glass transition temperature of −50 to −20° C., preferably −48 to −21° C. Within this range, impact strength may be excellent without deterioration in other physical properties.

In this description, glass transition temperature may be measured at a temperature increase rate of 10° C./min using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC, Q100, TA Instruments Co.) according to ASTM D 3418.

For example, the copolymer (A) may have a grafting frequency (%) of 0.05 to 0.375%, preferably 0.065 to 0.30%, more preferably 0.070 to 0.20%, still more preferably 0.075 to 0.125% as measured by Equation 2 below. Within this range, the rubber (a-1) may be evenly surrounded by the copolymer (a-2), thereby further improving non-whitening properties.

Grafting frequency (%)=[Grafting degree/{Weight average molecular weight of parts excluding rubber}]×100  [Equation 2]

In Equation 2, the grafting degree is the grafting degree of the copolymer (A), and the parts excluding rubber refer to parts excluding the rubber (a-1) included in the copolymer (A), i.e., the copolymer (a-2).

For example, the rubber (a-1) may further include an alkyl methacrylate. In this case, chemical resistance and impact resistance may be further improved. For example, based on 100% by weight in total of the rubber (a-1), the content of the alkyl methacrylate included in the rubber (a-1) may be 0.01 to 25% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 25% by weight, more preferably 1 to 20% by weight, still more preferably 2 to 15% by weight. Within this range, the desired effects may be sufficiently obtained without deterioration in other physical properties.

For example, the alkyl acrylate rubber may be prepared by emulsion-polymerizing an alkyl acrylate-based compound. As a specific example, the alkyl acrylate rubber may be prepared by mixing an acrylate-based compound, an emulsifier, an initiator, a grafting agent, a crosslinking agent, an electrolyte, and a solvent and emulsion-polymerizing the mixture. In this case, grafting efficiency may increase, thereby improving physical properties such as impact resistance.

For example, based on 100% by weight in total of the copolymer (a-2), the copolymer (a-2) may include 80 to 99.9% by weight of an alkyl methacrylate and 0.1 to 20% by weight of an alkyl acrylate, preferably 85 to 99.5% by weight of an alkyl methacrylate and 0.5 to 15% by weight of an alkyl acrylate, more preferably 85 to 99% by weight of an alkyl methacrylate and 1 to 15% by weight of an alkyl acrylate. Within this range, impact strength and weather resistance may be further improved.

For example, the rubber (a-1) may include a rubber seed.

For example, the rubber seed may be prepared by polymerizing an alkyl acrylate and optionally an alkyl methacrylate. When the alkyl methacrylate is included, based on 100% by weight of the rubber seed, the alkyl methacrylate may be included in an amount of 1 to 20% by weight, preferably 2 to 15% by weight, more preferably 5 to 15% by weight. Within this range, impact strength, weather resistance, and physical property balance may be excellent.

As a specific example, based on 100 parts by weight of units constituting the copolymer (A), the rubber seed may be prepared by adding 0.01 to 3 parts by weight of a crosslinking agent, 0.01 to 3 parts by weight of an initiator, and 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of an emulsifier to an alkyl acrylate and performing polymerization. Within this range, a polymer having an even size may be prepared within a short time, and physical properties such as weather resistance and impact strength may be further improved.

As another specific example, based on 100 parts by weight of units constituting the copolymer (A), the rubber seed may be prepared by adding 0.1 to 1 part by weight of a crosslinking agent, 0.01 to 1 part by weight of an initiator, and 0.1 to 3.0 parts by weight of an emulsifier to monomers including an alkyl acrylate and an alkyl methacrylate and performing polymerization. Within this range, a polymer having an even size may be prepared within a short time, and physical properties such as weather resistance and impact strength may be further improved.

For example, based on 100 parts by weight of units constituting the copolymer (A), the copolymer (A) may be prepared by a method including a step (A-1) of preparing a rubber seed by polymerizing a mixture including 1 to 15 parts by weight of an alkyl acrylate and optionally an alkyl methacrylate, 0.001 to 1 part by weight of an electrolyte, 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of a crosslinking agent, 0.01 to 3 parts by weight of an initiator, and 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of an emulsifier; a step (A-2) of preparing a rubber core by polymerizing a mixture including 20 to 50 parts by weight of an alkyl acrylate and optionally an alkyl methacrylate, 0.01 to 1 part by weight of a crosslinking agent, 0.01 to 3 parts by weight of an initiator, and 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of an emulsifier in the presence of the rubber seed; and a step (A-3) of preparing a graft shell by mixing 40 to 75 parts by weight of an alkyl acrylate and an alkyl methacrylate, 0.01 to 3 parts by weight of a crosslinking agent, 0.01 to 3 parts by weight of an initiator, 0.1 to 2 parts by weight of an emulsifier, and 0.01 to 1 part by weight of an activator in the presence of the rubber core. In this case, the physical property balance of impact resistance, weather resistance, molding processability, and non-whitening properties may be excellent.

In this description, for example, the alkyl acrylate compound may be an alkyl acrylate containing an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and as a specific example, may include one or more selected from the group consisting of methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylbutyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, heptyl acrylate, n-pentyl acrylate, and lauryl acrylate. As another example, the alkyl acrylate compound preferably is an alkyl acrylate containing a chain alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably butyl acrylate.

In this description, for example, the alkyl methacrylate may be an alkyl methacrylate containing an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms. As a specific example, the alkyl methacrylate may include one or more selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, 2-ethylbutyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, and lauryl methacrylate, preferably an alkyl methacrylate containing a chain alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably methyl methacrylate.

In this description, unless otherwise defined, crosslinking agents commonly used in the art to which the present invention pertains may be used in the present invention without particular limitation. For example, one or more compounds including an unsaturated vinyl group and being capable of serving as a crosslinking agent or one or more compounds including two or more unsaturated vinyl groups having different reactivities may be used as the crosslinking agent of the present invention. As a specific example, the crosslinking agent of the present invention may include one or more selected from the group consisting of polyethyleneglycol diacrylate, polyethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, polypropyleneglycol diacrylate, polypropyleneglycol dimethacrylate, ethyleneglycol diacrylate, ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, divinylbenzene, diethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, 1,3-butadiol dimethacrylate, hexanediol propoxylate diacrylate, neopentylglycol dimethacrylate, neopentylglycol ethoxylate diacrylate, neopentylglycol propoxylate diacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, trimethylolmethane triacrylate, trimethylpropane ethoxylate triacrylate, trimethylpropane propoxylate triacrylate, pentaerythritol ethoxylate triacrylate, pentaerythritol propoxylate triacrylate, vinyltrimethoxysilane, allyl methacrylate, triallyl isocyanurate, triallyl amine, and diallyl amine, without being limited thereto.

In this description, for example, a mixture containing one or more selected from the group consisting of KCl, NaCl, KHCO₃, NaHCO₃, K₂CO₃, Na₂CO₃, KHSO₃, NaHSO₃, K₄P₂O₇, Na₄P₂O₇, K₃PO₄, Na₃PO₄, K₂HPO₄, Na₂HPO₄, KOH, NaOH, and Na₂S₂O₇ may be used as the electrolyte, without being limited thereto.

In this description, initiators commonly used in the art to which the present invention pertains may be used in the present invention without particular limitation. For example, radical initiators such as water-soluble initiators and fat-soluble initiators may be used, and a mixture containing one or more of the radical initiators may be used.

The water-soluble initiator may include one or more selected from the group consisting of inorganic peroxides including sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate, ammonium persulfate, potassium superphosphate, and hydrogen peroxide, without being limited thereto.

The fat-soluble initiator may include one or more selected from the group consisting of dialkyl peroxides, diacyl peroxides, diperoxyketals, hydroperoxides, peroxyesters, peroxydicarbonates, and azo compounds.

As a more specific example, the fat-soluble initiator may include one or more selected from the group consisting of organic peroxides such as cumene hydroperoxide, p-menthane hydroperoxide, di-t-butyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, t-butylcumyl peroxide, di-t-amyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)-hexane, 1,1-di(t-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, 1,1-di(t-butylperoxy)-cyclohexane, 1,1-di(t-amylperoxy)-cyclohexane, ethyl 3,3-di(t-amylperoxy)-butyrate, diisopropylbenzene mono-hydroperoxide, t-amyl hydroperoxide, t-butyl hydroperoxide, t-butyl peroxyneodecanoate, t-butyl peroxypivalate, di-(3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl)-peroxide, t-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, t-butyl peroxy-3,5,5-trimethylhexanoate, t-amyl peroxy neodecanoate, t-amyl peroxypivalate, t-amyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate, t-butyl peroxyacetate, t-butyl peroxybenzoate, t-amyl peroxy 2-ethylhexyl carbonate, t-butyl peroxy 2-ethylhexyl carbonate, t-butyl peroxy isopropyl monocarbonate, t-butyl peroxy maleic acid, cumyl peroxyneodecanoate, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl peroxy neodecanoate, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl peroxy 2-ethylhexanoate, di-2-ethylhexyl peroxydicarbonate, 3-hydroxy-1,1-dimethylbutylperoxy neodecanoate, acetyl peroxide, isobutyl peroxide, octanoyl peroxide, dibenzoyl peroxide, dilauroyl peroxide, 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl peroxide, and t-butyl peroxy isobutyrate; azobisisobutyronitrile; azobismethylbutyronitrile; azobis-4-methoxy-2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile; azobis-2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile; azobis cyclohexanecarbonitrile; and azobis isobutyric acid methyl, without being limited thereto.

In the step of preparing a rubber seed, the step of preparing a rubber core, and the step of preparing a copolymer shell (graft shell), in addition to the initiator, an oxidation-reduction catalyst may be optionally used to further accelerate initiation reaction. For example, the oxidation-reduction catalyst may include one or more selected from the group consisting of sodium pyrophosphate, dextrose, ferrous sulfide, sodium sulfite, sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, sulfonato acetic acid metal salt, and sulfinato acetic acid metal salt without being limited thereto.

In at least one step of the step of preparing a rubber seed, the step of preparing a rubber core, and the step of preparing a copolymer shell (graft shell), in addition to the polymerization initiator, an activator is preferably used to promote initiation reaction of peroxides. The activator preferably includes one or more selected from the group consisting of sodium formaldehyde, sulfoxylate, sodium ethylenediamine, tetraacetate, ferrous sulfate, dextrose, sodium pyrrolate, sodium sulfite, sulfonato acetic acid metal salt, and sulfinato acetic acid metal salt.

Based on 100 parts by weight in total of monomers added when preparing the copolymer (A), the activator may be added in an amount of 0.01 to 3 parts by weight or 0.01 to 1 part by weight. Within this range, high polymerization rate may be ensured.

In the step of preparing a seed and the step of preparing a core, as a method of feeding monomers, batch feed or continuous feed may be used alone, or two methods may be used in combination.

In this description, “continuous feed” means that components are not fed batchwise. For example, according to continuous feed, components may be fed for 10 minutes or more, 30 minutes or more, 1 hour or more, preferably 2 hours or more within a polymerization time range in drop by drop, little by little, step by step, or continuous flow.

In this description, emulsifiers commonly used in the art to which the present invention pertains may be used in the present invention without particular limitation. For example, the emulsifier of the present invention may include one or more selected from the group consisting of low-molecular weight carboxylates having 20 or fewer carbon atoms or 10 to 20 carbon atoms, such as rosin acid salt, lauric acid salt, oleic acid salt, and stearic acid salt; alkyl sulfosuccinates having 20 or fewer carbon atoms or 10 to 20 carbon atoms or derivatives thereof; alkyl sulfates or sulfonates having 20 or fewer carbon atoms or 10 to 20 carbon atoms; polyfunctional carboxylic acids having 20 to 60, 20 to 55, or 30 to 55 carbon atoms and having two or more carboxy groups, preferably 2 to 3 carboxy groups, or salts thereof; and one or more phosphoric acid salts selected from the group consisting of mono alkyl ether phosphates and dialkyl ether phosphates.

As another example, the emulsifier may include one or more selected from the group consisting of reactive emulsifiers selected from the group consisting of sulfoethyl methacrylate, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, sodium styrene sulfonate, sodium dodecyl allyl sulfosuccinate, a copolymer of styrene and sodium dodecyl allyl sulfosuccinate, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether ammonium sulfates, C16-18 alkenyl succinic acid di-potassium salt, and sodium methallyl sulfonate; and non-reactive emulsifiers selected from the group consisting of alkyl aryl sulfonate, alkali methyl alkyl sulfate, sulfonated alkyl esters, fatty acid soap, and alkali salts of rosin acid.

As another example, as the emulsifier, the derivatives of C12 to C18 alkyl sulfosuccinate metal salts, C12 to C20 alkyl sulfate esters, or the derivatives of sulfonic acid metal salts may be used. For example, the derivatives of C12 to C18 alkyl sulfosuccinate metal salts may include sodium or potassium salts of dicyclohexyl sulfonate, dihexyl sulfosuccinate, and dioctyl sulfosuccinate, and the C12 to C20 alkyl sulfate esters or the sulfonic acid metal salts may include alkyl sulfate metal salts such as sodium lauric sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfate, sodium octadecyl sulfate, sodium oleic sulfate, potassium dodecyl sulfate, and potassium octadecyl sulfate. The emulsifiers may be used alone or in combination thereof.

In this description, a derivative of a compound refers to a substance obtained by substituting at least one of hydrogen and a functional group of the compound with another type of group such as an alkyl group or a halogen group.

In this description, when preparing the copolymer (A), a molecular weight modifier may be optionally included, and then emulsion polymerization may be performed. Based on 100 parts by weight of units constituting the copolymer (A), the molecular weight modifier may be included in an amount of 0.01 to 2 parts by weight, 0.05 to 2 parts by weight, or 0.05 to 1 part by weight. Within this range, a polymer having a desired molecular weight may be easily prepared.

For example, the molecular weight modifier may include one or more selected from the group consisting of mercaptans such as α-methyl styrene dimer, t-dodecyl mercaptan, n-dodecyl mercaptan, and octyl mercaptan; halogenated hydrocarbons such as carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, and methylene bromide; and sulfur-containing compounds such as tetra ethyl thiuram disulfide, dipentamethylene thiuram disulfide, and diisopropylxanthogen disulfide, and preferably includes mercaptan compounds such as tert-dodecylmercaptan, without being limited thereto.

When emulsion polymerization is performed, polymerization temperature is not particularly limited. In general, emulsion polymerization may be performed at 50 to 85° C., preferably 60 to 80° C.

For example, the copolymer latex (A) prepared in the above step may have a coagulum content of 1% or less, preferably 0.5% or less, still more preferably 0.1% or less. Within this range, the productivity of a resin may be increased, and mechanical strength and appearance properties may be improved.

In this description, the weight of coagulum produced in a reactor, the weight of total rubber, and the weight of monomers are measured, and coagulum content (%) is calculated by Equation 5 below.

Solid coagulum (%)=[Weight (g) of coagulum produced in reactor/Total weight (g) of rubber and monomers]×100  [Equation 5]

For example, the latex of the copolymer (A) may be prepared in the form of powder through a conventional process including coagulation, washing, and drying. As a specific example, a metal salt or an acid is added, coagulation is performed at 60 to 100° C., and aging, dehydration, washing, and drying are performed to prepare the latex of the copolymer (A) in powder form, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Other conditions not specified in the method for preparing the above-described copolymer (A), i.e., polymerization conversion rate, reaction pressure, reaction time, gel content, etc., are not particularly limited when the conditions are within the ranges commonly used in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. The above conditions may be appropriately selected and used when necessary.

In this description, unless defined otherwise, “%” means “% by weight”.

(B) Matrix Resin

Based on 100% by weight in total of the thermoplastic resin of the present invention, the thermoplastic resin includes 0 to 50% by weight of a matrix resin including one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, an alkyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate. When the matrix resin (B) is included in the thermoplastic resin, mechanical properties and molding processability may be further improved.

The matrix resin (B) is a hard matrix capable of being melt-kneaded with the dry powder (DP) of the copolymer (A), and includes a hard polymer-forming monomer having a glass transition temperature of 60° C. or higher. Specifically, the matrix resin (B) is preferably a compound including an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, methyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate or units derived therefrom, or is preferably prepared by mixing one or more compounds including an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, methyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate or units derived therefrom. The matrix resin (B) preferably has a glass transition temperature of 80 to 160° C., more preferably 90 to 150° C. Within this range, molding processability may be further improved.

For example, the matrix resin (B) may include one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound-vinyl cyanide compound copolymer, an aromatic vinyl compound-vinyl cyanide compound-alkyl methacrylate copolymer, an alkyl methacrylate polymer, and an alkyl methacrylate-alkyl acrylate copolymer, and may further include an aromatic vinyl compound-vinyl cyanide compound-alkyl acrylate copolymer. In this case, physical property balance between molding processability and other physical properties may be excellent.

The alkyl methacrylate-alkyl acrylate copolymer that may be included in the matrix resin (B) is different from the graft copolymer (A).

For example, the aromatic vinyl compound included in the matrix resin may include one or more selected from the group consisting of styrene, α-methyl styrene, o-methyl styrene, p-methyl styrene, m-methyl styrene, ethyl styrene, isobutyl styrene, t-butyl styrene, o-bromo styrene, p-bromo styrene, m-bromo styrene, o-chloro styrene, p-chloro styrene, m-chloro styrene, vinyltoluene, vinylxylene, fluorostyrene, and vinylnaphthalene, preferably includes one or more selected from the group consisting of styrene and α-methyl styrene. In this case, processability may be excellent due to proper fluidity, and mechanical properties such as impact resistance may be excellent.

For example, the vinyl cyanide compound included in the matrix resin may include one or more selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile, methylacrylonitrile, ethylacrylonitrile, and isopropylacrylonitrile, preferably acrylonitrile.

Each of the alkyl methacrylate and the alkyl acrylate included in the matrix resin may be appropriately selected within the same range as mentioned in the copolymer (A).

The alkyl methacrylate included in the matrix resin is preferably methyl methacrylate.

The alkyl acrylate included in the matrix resin preferably includes one or more selected from the group consisting of methyl acrylate and ethyl acrylate.

The matrix resin (B) may be prepared by a commonly known method. When preparing the matrix resin (B), one or more of an initiator, a crosslinking agent, and a molecular weight modifier may be included when necessary. The matrix resin (B) may be prepared by suspension polymerization, emulsion polymerization, bulk polymerization, or solution polymerization.

Materials required for reaction such as solvents and emulsifiers or conditions such as polymerization temperature and polymerization time, which are to be added or changed according to polymerization methods, may be appropriately selected without particular limitation when the materials and the conditions are generally applicable depending on a polymerization method selected for the preparation of a matrix resin.

As another example, a commercially available matrix resin may be used as the matrix resin (B).

Thermoplastic Resin

Based on 100% by weight in total of the thermoplastic resin of the present invention, the thermoplastic resin may include 50 to 100% by weight of the copolymer (A) and 0 to 50% by weight of the matrix resin (B), preferably 60 to 100% by weight of the copolymer (A) and 0 to 40% by weight of the matrix resin (B), more preferably 60 to 90% by weight of the copolymer (A) and 10 to 40% by weight of the matrix resin (B). Within this range, impact resistance, fluidity, and non-whitening properties may be excellent.

For example, the total content of the alkyl acrylate included in 100% by weight in total of the thermoplastic resin may be 20 to 50% by weight, preferably 22 to 50% by weight, more preferably 25 to 50% by weight. Within this range, impact strength and non-whitening properties may be excellent without deterioration in weather resistance.

In this description, the total content of the alkyl acrylate included in 100% by weight in total of the thermoplastic resin means the sum of the total weight of alkyl acrylate compounds respectively included in the copolymer (A) and the matrix resin (B). For example, the total content of the alkyl acrylate may be calculated by summing the weights (parts by weight) of alkyl acrylate compounds fed when preparing the thermoplastic resin. As another example, the total content of the alkyl acrylate may be quantitatively determined by subjecting the thermoplastic resin to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis or Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis.

In this description, NMR analysis means analysis by ¹H NMR unless otherwise specified.

In this description, NMR analysis may be performed according to a method commonly practiced in the art, and a specific measurement example is as follows.

-   -   Equipment name: Bruker 600 MHz NMR (AVANCE III HD) CPP BB (1H         19F tunable and broadband, with z-gradient) Prodigy Probe     -   Measurement conditions: ¹H NMR (zg30):ns=32, d1=5 s, TCE-d2, at         room temp.

In this description, FT-IR analysis may be performed according to a method commonly practiced in the art, and a specific measurement example is as follows.

-   -   Equipment name: Agilent Cary 660     -   Measurement conditions: ATR mode

The thermoplastic resin may have a butyl acrylate coverage value (X) of 50% or more, preferably 50 to 250%, more preferably 55 to 200% as measured by Equation 1 below through the limited composition as described above. Within this range, non-whitening properties may be further improved.

X(%)={(G−Y)/Y}×100  [Equation 1]

In Equation 1, G represents the total gel content (%) of the thermoplastic resin, and Y represents the content (% by weight) of butyl acrylate in the gel of the thermoplastic resin.

In Equation 1, the content of butyl acrylate in the gel of the thermoplastic resin represents the content (based on 100% by weight in total of the fed thermoplastic resin) of butyl acrylate in insoluble matter (gel) obtained in the process of determining gel content. Here, the gel content represents the content (% by weight) of the insoluble matter based on 100% by weight in total of the thermoplastic resin.

The thermoplastic resin may include one or more types of alkyl acrylate compounds. By limiting the difference between a total gel content and the content of butyl acrylate in the gel with respect to the content of butyl acrylate in the gel of the thermoplastic resin to a specific range, a thermoplastic resin having excellent mechanical properties, such as impact resistance, molding processability, gloss, and non-whitening properties may be provided.

When elution of the thermoplastic resin is performed using acetone, the elution amount of butyl acrylate is preferably 0.01% by weight or more, more preferably 0.1% by weight or more, as a preferred example, 0.1 to 15% by weight, as a more preferred example, 0.5 to 15% by weight. Within this range, non-whitening properties may be excellent.

In this description, when measuring the elution amount of an alkyl acrylate using acetone, 30 g of acetone is added to 0.5 g of dry powder of a thermoplastic resin, agitation is performed at 210 rpm and room temperature for hours using a shaker (SKC-6075, Lab Companion Co.), centrifugation is performed at 18,000 rpm and 0° C. for 3 hours using a centrifuge (Supra R30, Hanil Science Co.) to obtain an acetone solution from which insoluble matter is separated, and the obtained acetone solution is dried via forced circulation at 85° C. for 12 hours using a forced convection oven (OF-12GW, Lab Companion Co.) to obtain a resin sol. Then, NMR analysis or FT-IR analysis is performed on the resin sol to quantitatively determine the elution amount of an alkyl acrylate.

For example, the thermoplastic resin, the rubber (a-1), or both of them may have a glass transition temperature of −50 to −20° C., preferably −48 to −21° C. Within this range, impact strength may be excellent without deterioration in other physical properties.

The thermoplastic resin of the present invention has [196] excellent whitening resistance when bent or folded. For example, when the thermoplastic resin is extruded into a film having dimensions of 100 mm×100 mm×0.15 mm in width, length, and thickness, and the film is bent at 180° at a temperature of 23° C., whitening does not occur, indicating that the thermoplastic resin has excellent non-whitening properties.

In addition, the thermoplastic resin of the present invention has excellent whitening resistance against external impact (hit). For example, when the thermoplastic resin is extruded into a film having a thickness of 0.15 mm and a weight having a weight of 1 kg is vertically dropped onto the film from a height of 100 mm at a temperature of ° C. using a Gardner impact tester, a difference in haze values measured before and after impact according to ASTM D1003-95 for an area hit by the weight may be 10 or less, preferably 5 or less, more preferably 3 or less. In this case, upon bending or when external impact is applied, whitening is significantly reduced, and thus problems such as inhibition of expression of intrinsic color due to whitening, deterioration of appearance, and reduction of luxuriousness may be prevented, thereby providing a molded article having excellent appearance.

In this description, specifically, when a difference in haze values before and after impact is measured, impact is applied to the middle portion of a film having dimensions of 100 mm×100 mm×0.15 mm in width, length, and thickness using a weight (Falling Weight 1 kg, Cat. No. 1249) and using a Gardner impact tester (Impact Tester 5545, BYK Gardner Co.), haze values before and after impact are measured for the middle portion of the film, and a difference in haze values before and after impact is calculated based the measured values.

In this description, haze may be measured using a known method for measuring transparency in the related field, and specifically, may be measured according to ASTM D1003. As a specific example, the haze value of a film extruded at an extrusion temperature of 230° C. may be measured at 23° C. using a haze meter (model name: HM-150, MURAKAMI Co.) according to ASTM D1003.

For example, the thermoplastic resin may have a gloss of 100 or more, preferably 100 to 150, more preferably 105 to 145, still more preferably 108 to 145 as measured at an incidence angle of 60° according to ASTM D528. Within this range, gloss may be excellent without deterioration in other physical properties, thereby providing a molded article having excellent appearance.

For example, the thermoplastic resin may have a melt flow index (MI) of 5 g/10 min or more, preferably 5 to 25 g/10 min, more preferably 5 to 20 g/10 min, still more preferably 5.5 to 20 g/10 min as measured according to ASTM D1238. Within this range, molding processability may be excellent without deterioration in other physical properties.

In this description, melt flow index may be measured at a temperature of 220° C. for a reference time of 10 minutes under a load of 10 kg according to ASTM D1238. As a specific example, a specimen is heated to 220° C. using a melt indexer (GOETTFERT Co.), the specimen is placed in the cylinder of the melt indexer, and a load of 10 kg is applied with a piston. At this time, the weight (g) of a resin melted and flowing out for 10 minutes is measured, and a melt flow index is calculated based on the measured value.

Method of Preparing Thermoplastic Resin

A method of preparing the thermoplastic resin of the present invention includes a step of kneading and extruding to 100 parts by weight of an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A) and 0 to 50 parts by weight of a matrix resin (B) including one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, an alkyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate, wherein the thermoplastic resin has an X value of 50% or more as measured by Equation 1 below. In this case, molding processability, gloss, and non-whitening properties may be excellent while maintaining mechanical properties equal to those of conventional ASA based resins, thereby providing excellent appearance.

X(%)={(G−Y)/Y}×100  [Equation 1]

In Equation 1, G represents the total gel content (%) of the thermoplastic resin, and Y represents the content (% by weight) of butyl acrylate in the gel of the thermoplastic resin.

The copolymer (A) used in the preparation of the thermoplastic resin may be prepared by the method of preparing the copolymer (A). In this case, grafting degree, grafting frequency, and molecular weight may be properly adjusted, and thus molding processability and non-whitening properties may be excellent.

When the thermoplastic resin of the present invention is prepared, in the step of kneading and extruding, when necessary, one or more selected from the group consisting of a lubricant, a heat stabilizer, a light stabilizer, an antioxidant, a UV stabilizer, a dye, a pigment, a colorant, a release agent, an antistatic agent, an antibacterial agent, a processing aid, a compatibilizer, a metal deactivator, a flame retardant, a smoke suppressant, an anti-dripping agent, a foaming agent, a plasticizer, a reinforcing agent, a filler, a matting agent, an anti-friction agent, and an anti-wear agent may be further included in an amount of 0.01 to 5 parts by weight, 0.05 to 3 parts by weight, 0.05 to 2 parts by weight, or 0.05 to 1 part by weight based on 100 parts by weight in sum of the copolymer (A) and the matrix resin (B). Within this range, required physical properties may be implemented without deterioration in the intrinsic physical properties of ASA-based resins.

For example, the lubricant may include one or more selected from ethylene bis stearamide, polyethylene oxide wax, magnesium stearate, calcium stearamide, and stearic acid, without being limited thereto.

For example, the antioxidant may include phenolic antioxidants, phosphorus antioxidants, and the like, without being limited thereto.

For example, the light stabilizer may include HALS-based light stabilizers, benzophenone-based light stabilizers, benzotriazole-based light stabilizers, and the like, without being limited thereto.

For example, the antistatic agent may include one or more of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and the like, without being limited thereto.

For example, the release agent may include one or more selected from glycerinstearate, polyethylene tetra stearate, and the like, without being limited thereto.

Molded Article

A molded article of the present invention includes the thermoplastic resin of the present invention having excellent non-whitening properties. In this case, weather resistance, impact resistance, molding processability, gloss, and whitening resistance may be excellent, thereby providing excellent appearance. Thus, the molded article may be applied to film or sheet products.

For example, the molded article may be a finishing material. In this case, non-whitening properties may be excellent, and thus appearance may be excellent.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following preferred examples. However, these examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such changes and modifications are also within the scope of the appended claims.

EXAMPLES Example 1

<Rubber Seed Preparation Step>

30 parts by weight of distilled water, 5 parts by weight of butyl acrylate, 1.0 part by weight of sodium dodecyl sulfate, 0.1 parts by weight of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 0.1 parts by weight of allyl methacrylate, 0.1 parts by weight of sodium hydrogen carbonate, and 60 parts by weight of distilled water were fed into a nitrogen-substituted reactor batchwise, temperature was raised to 70° C., and then 0.1 parts by weight of potassium persulfate was added thereto to initiate reaction. Then, polymerization was performed for 1 hour.

<Rubber Core Preparation Step>

35 parts by weight of butyl acrylate, 0.5 part by weight of sodium dodecyl sulfate, 0.5 parts by weight of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 0.8 parts by weight of allyl methacrylate, 40 parts by weight of distilled water, and 0.1 parts by weight of potassium persulfate were mixed with the rubber seed, and the mixture was continuously fed into a reactor at 70° C. for 2.0 hours. After feeding, polymerization was further performed for 1 hour. After completion of the reaction, the average particle size of the obtained rubber polymer was 80 nm.

<Copolymer Shell Preparation Step>

A mixture prepared by homogeneously mixing 40 parts by weight of distilled water, 57 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate, 3 parts by weight of butyl acrylate, 1.0 part by weight of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, 0.05 parts by weight of tert-dodecyl mercaptan, and 0.1 parts by weight of t-butyl hydroperoxide as an initiator and a mixed solution containing 0.015 parts by weight of sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate as an activator, 0.1 parts by weight of sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, and 0.002 parts by weight of ferrous sulfide were each continuously fed into the reactor containing the rubber core at 75° C. for 3 hours to perform polymerization. After completion of the continuous feed, polymerization was further performed at 75° C. for 1 hour, and temperature was cooled to 60° C. to terminate and prepare graft copolymer latex.

After completion of the reaction, the grafting degree of the obtained graft copolymer was 85%, the weight average molecular weight of the shell was 71,000 g/mol, and grafting frequency was 0.12%.

<Graft Copolymer Powder Preparation>

1.0 part by weight of an aqueous calcium chloride solution was added to the prepared acrylate graft copolymer latex, coagulation was performed at 60 to 85° C. under atmospheric pressure, aging was performed at 70 to 95° C., dehydration and washing were performed, and then hot-blast drying was performed at 85° C. for 2 hours to obtain graft copolymer powder.

<Thermoplastic Resin Preparation>

70 parts by weight of the graft copolymer powder, 30 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate (BA611, LGMMA Co.) as a matrix resin, 1.5 parts by weight of a lubricant, 1.0 part by weight of an antioxidant, and 1.5 parts by weight of a UV stabilizer were mixed. When preparing a specimen for evaluating colorability and a specimen for evaluating weather resistance, based on 100 parts by weight in sum of the graft copolymer and the matrix resin, 1 part by weight of a black colorant was additionally added. The mixture was extrusion-kneaded at a cylinder temperature of 220° C. using a 36 pi extrusion kneader to prepare pellets. The prepared pellets were injected at a barrel temperature of 220° C. using an injection machine to prepare a specimen for measuring physical properties, such as impact strength.

The content of butyl acrylate (BA) in the prepared thermoplastic resin was 30.1% (wt %), the glass transition temperature of rubber was −47° C., a BA coverage value of 77.5% was observed, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol of 1.89% was observed

<Thermoplastic Resin Film Preparation>

The thermoplastic resin pellets were introduced into a 20 pi single extrusion kneader equipped with a T-die at a cylinder temperature of 230° C. to prepare a film having a thickness of 150 μm.

Example 2

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 25 parts by weight of butyl acrylate was used when preparing a rubber core, and 66.5 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate and 3.5 parts by weight of butyl acrylate were used when preparing a copolymer shell.

The grafting degree of the obtained graft copolymer was 130%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 62,000, and grafting frequency was 0.21%.

The BA content of the prepared thermoplastic resin was 23.5%, a BA coverage value was 116%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 2.1%.

Example 3

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 30 parts by weight of butyl acrylate was used when preparing a rubber core, and 61.8 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate and 3.2 parts by weight of butyl acrylate were used when preparing a copolymer shell.

The grafting degree of the obtained graft copolymer was 98%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 54,000, and grafting frequency was 0.18%.

The BA content of the prepared thermoplastic resin was 26.8%, a BA coverage value was 88.8%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 2.09%.

Example 4

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 45 parts by weight of butyl acrylate was used when preparing a rubber core, and 47.5 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate and 2.5 parts by weight of butyl acrylate were used when preparing a copolymer shell.

The grafting degree of the obtained graft copolymer was 62%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 79,000, and grafting frequency was 0.078%.

The BA content of the prepared thermoplastic resin was 36.8%, an alkyl acrylate coverage value was 57.1%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 1.54%.

Example 5

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 2.0 parts by weight of sodium dodecyl sulfate was used when preparing a rubber seed.

The average particle diameter of the obtained rubber polymer was 50 nm, the grafting degree of a graft copolymer was 79%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 50,000, and grafting frequency was 0.158%.

The BA content of the prepared thermoplastic resin was 30.1%, a BA coverage value was 72.2%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 1.99%.

Example 6

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 0.4 parts by weight of sodium dodecyl sulfate was used when preparing a rubber seed.

The average particle diameter of the obtained rubber polymer was 100 nm, the grafting degree of a graft copolymer was 89%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 80,000, and grafting frequency was 0.111%.

The BA content of the prepared thermoplastic resin was 30.1%, a BA coverage value was 80.9%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 1.81%.

Example 7

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 0.3 parts by weight of sodium dodecyl sulfate was used when preparing a rubber seed.

The average particle diameter of the obtained rubber polymer was 110 nm, the grafting degree of a graft copolymer was 92%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 100,000, and grafting frequency was 0.092%.

The BA content of the prepared thermoplastic resin was 30.1%, a BA coverage value was 83.6%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 1.76%.

Example 8

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 33.25 parts by weight of butyl acrylate and 1.75 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate were used when preparing a rubber core, and 0.95 parts by weight of sodium dodecyl sulfate, 4.75 parts by weight of butyl acrylate, and 0.25 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate were used when preparing a rubber seed.

The average particle diameter of the obtained rubber polymer was 80 nm, the grafting degree of a graft copolymer was 97%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 68,000, and grafting frequency was 0.143%.

The BA content of the prepared thermoplastic resin was 28.7%, rubber glass transition temperature was −41° C., a BA coverage value was 97.3%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 1.65%.

Example 9

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 29.75 parts by weight of butyl acrylate and 5.25 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate were used when preparing a rubber core, and 0.9 parts by weight of sodium dodecyl sulfate, 4.25 parts by weight of butyl acrylate, and 0.75 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate were used when preparing a rubber seed.

The average particle diameter of the obtained rubber polymer was 80 nm, the grafting degree of a graft copolymer was 103%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 52,000, and grafting frequency was 0.198%.

The BA content of the prepared thermoplastic resin was 25.9%, rubber glass transition temperature was −30° C., a BA coverage value was 125.2%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 1.5%.

Example 10

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 26.25 parts by weight of butyl acrylate and 8.75 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate were used when preparing a rubber core, and 0.8 parts by weight of sodium dodecyl sulfate, 3.75 parts by weight of butyl acrylate, and 1.25 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate were used when preparing a rubber seed.

The average particle diameter of the obtained rubber polymer was 80 nm, the grafting degree of a graft copolymer was 115%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 43,000, and grafting frequency was 0.267%.

The BA content of the prepared thermoplastic resin was 23.1%, rubber glass transition temperature was −21° C., a BA coverage value was 166.3%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 1.23%.

Example 11

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 54 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate and 6 parts by weight of butyl acrylate were used when preparing a copolymer shell.

The grafting degree of the obtained graft copolymer was 81%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 76,000, and grafting frequency was 0.107%.

The BA content of a resin was 32.2%, a BA coverage value was 67.4%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 3.92%.

Example 12

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 48 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate and 12 parts by weight of butyl acrylate were used when preparing a copolymer shell.

The grafting degree of the obtained graft copolymer was 76%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 95,000, and grafting frequency was 0.08%.

The BA content of a resin was 33.6%, the glass transition temperature of rubber was −35° C., a BA coverage value was 52.8%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 8.17%.

Example 13

The same procedure as in Example 3 was performed except that 100 parts by weight of the graft copolymer was used without using a matrix resin when preparing a thermoplastic resin.

The BA content of a resin was 33.8%, a BA coverage value was 88.8%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 5.00%.

Example 14

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 30 parts by weight of a styrene-acrylonitrile resin (S85RF, LG Chemical Co.) as a matrix resin was used when preparing a thermoplastic resin.

The BA coverage value of a resin was 77.5%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 1.89%.

Example 15

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 30 parts by weight of a styrene-acrylonitrile-methyl methacrylate copolymer (XT500, LG Chemical Co.) as a matrix resin was used when preparing a thermoplastic resin.

The BA coverage value of a resin was 77.5%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 1.89%.

Example 16

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed to prepare a graft copolymer except that 4.25 parts by weight of butyl acrylate and 0.75 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate were used when preparing a rubber seed, 34 parts by weight of butyl acrylate and 6 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate were used when preparing a rubber core, and 52.25 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate and 2.75 parts by weight of butyl acrylate were used when preparing a copolymer shell.

The grafting degree of the obtained graft copolymer was 103%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 61,000, and grafting frequency was 0.169%.

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed to prepare a thermoplastic resin except that 50 parts by weight of the prepared graft copolymer and 50 parts by weight of an (alpha-methylstyrene)-styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (S99UH, LG Chemical Co.) as a matrix resin were used.

The BA content of a resin was 20.5%, the glass transition temperature of rubber was −30° C., a BA coverage value was 125.2%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 0.4%.

Example 17

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 70 parts by weight of the prepared graft copolymer, and as a matrix resin, 27 parts by weight of a methyl methacrylate resin (BA611, LGMMA Co.) and 3 parts by weight of an alkyl acrylate-aromatic vinyl compound-vinyl cyanide compound copolymer (SA927, LG Chemical Co.) were used when preparing a thermoplastic resin.

The BA content of a resin was 32%, a BA coverage value was 72.1%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 1.61%.

Comparative Example 1

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 55 parts by weight of butyl acrylate was used when preparing a rubber core, and 40 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate was used when preparing a copolymer shell.

The average particle diameter of the obtained rubber polymer was 85 nm, the grafting degree of a graft copolymer was 38%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 82,000, and grafting frequency was 0.046%.

The BA content of a resin was 42%, the glass transition temperature of rubber was −47° C., a BA coverage value was 38%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 0%.

Comparative Example 2

The same procedure as in Example 2 was performed except that 20 parts by weight of butyl acrylate was used when preparing a rubber core, and 75 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate was used when preparing a copolymer shell.

The average particle diameter of the obtained rubber polymer was 75 nm, the grafting degree of a graft copolymer was 100%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 71,000, and grafting frequency was 0.141%.

The BA content of a resin was 17.5%, the glass transition temperature of rubber was −47° C., a BA coverage value was 100%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 0%.

Comparative Example 3

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 0.75 parts by weight of sodium dodecyl sulfate, 3.5 parts by weight of butyl acrylate, and 1.5 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate were used when preparing a rubber seed, 24.5 parts by weight of butyl acrylate and 10.5 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate were used when preparing a rubber core, and 60 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate was used when preparing a shell.

The grafting degree of the obtained graft copolymer was 120%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 32,000, and grafting frequency was 0.375%.

The BA content of a resin was 19.6%, the glass transition temperature of rubber was −14° C., a BA coverage value was 214.3%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 0%.

Comparative Example 4

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 45 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate and 15 parts by weight of butyl acrylate were used when preparing a shell.

The grafting degree of the obtained graft copolymer was 59%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 121,000, and grafting frequency was 0.049%.

The BA content of a resin was 38.5%, a BA coverage value was 38.6%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 11.48%.

Comparative Example 5

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 40 parts by weight of the graft copolymer powder and 60 parts by weight of the matrix resin were used when preparing a thermoplastic resin.

The grafting frequency of the obtained graft copolymer was 0.120%.

The BA content of a resin was 17.2%, a BA coverage value was 77.5%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 0.74%.

Comparative Example 6

The same procedure as in Comparative Example 1 was performed except that 85 parts by weight of the graft copolymer powder and 15 parts by weight of the matrix resin were used when preparing a thermoplastic resin.

The grafting frequency of the obtained graft copolymer was 0.046%.

The BA content of a resin was 51.0%, a BA coverage value was 38.0%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 0%.

Comparative Example 7

The same procedure as in Comparative Example 1 was performed except that 38 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate and 2 parts by weight of butyl acrylate were used when preparing a shell, and 85 parts by weight of the graft copolymer powder and 15 parts by weight of the matrix resin were used when preparing a thermoplastic resin.

The grafting degree of the obtained graft copolymer was 35.0%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 98,000, and grafting frequency was 0.036%.

The BA content of a resin was 52.7%, a BA coverage value was 32.7%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 2.59%.

Comparative Example 8

The same procedure as in Example 1 was performed except that 45.6 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate and 14.4 parts by weight of butyl acrylate were used when preparing a shell.

The grafting degree of the obtained graft copolymer was 62%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 118,000, and grafting frequency was 0.053%.

The BA content of a resin was 38.1%, a BA coverage value was 41.0%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 10.82%.

Reference Example 1

The same procedure as in Example 4 was performed except that 0.11 parts by weight of sodium dodecyl sulfate was used when preparing a rubber seed, and 50 parts by weight of methyl methacrylate was used when preparing a shell.

The average particle diameter of the obtained rubber polymer was 150 nm, the grafting degree of a graft copolymer was 98%, the weight average molecular weight of a shell was 126,000, and grafting frequency was 0.078%.

The BA content of a resin was 35%, a BA coverage value was 97%, and a BA elution amount in a resin sol was 0%.

Test Examples

The physical properties of the specimens and the films prepared in Examples 1 to 17, Comparative Examples 1 to 8, and Reference Example 1 were measured according to the following methods, and the results are shown in Tables 1 and 2 below.

-   -   DLS average particle diameter: 0.1 g of the prepared rubber         latex (solids content: 35 to 50% by weight) was diluted with 100         g of deionized water to prepare a sample, the particle diameter         of the sample was measured at 23° C. by dynamic light scattering         under an intensity value of 300 kHz in an intensity-weighted         Gaussian analysis mode using a particle size analyzer (Nicomp         CW380, PPS Co.), and the average value of hydrodynamic diameters         obtained from a scattering intensity distribution was obtained         as a DLS average particle diameter.     -   Grafting degree (%): 30 g of acetone was added to 0.5 g of the         prepared powdered graft polymer, agitation was performed at 210         rpm and room temperature (23° C.) for 12 hours using a shaker         (SKC-6075, Lab Companion Co.), centrifugation was performed at         18,000 rpm and 0° C. for 3 hours using a centrifuge (Supra R30,         Hanil Science Co.) to separate only insoluble matter that was         not dissolved in acetone, and the separated insoluble matter was         dried via forced circulation at 85° C. for 12 hours using a         forced convection oven (OF-12GW, Lab Companion Co.). Then, the         weight of the dried insoluble matter was measured, and grafting         degree was calculated by Equation 4 below.

Grafting degree (%)=[Weight (g) of grafted monomers/Weight (g) of rubber]×100  [Equation 4]

In Equation 4, the weight (g) of grafted monomers is a value obtained by subtracting the weight (g) of rubber from the weight of insoluble matter (gel) obtained by dissolving a graft copolymer in acetone and performing centrifugation, and the weight (g) of rubber is the amount (parts by weight) of rubber components theoretically included in the graft copolymer powder. Here, the parts by weight of the rubber means the total sum of parts by weights of unit components fed when preparing a rubber seed and a core.

-   -   Weight average molecular weight (g/mol) of shell: A portion         (sol) dissolved in acetone when measuring the grafting degree         was dissolved in a THF solvent, and then the weight average         molecular weight of a shell was obtained as a relative value to         a polystyrene (PS) standard specimen using GPC. Specific         measurement conditions are as follows.     -   Solvent: tetrahydrofuran (THF)     -   Column temperature: 40° C.     -   Flow rate: 0.3 mL/min     -   Sample concentration: 20 mg/mL     -   Injection amount: 5 μl     -   Column model: 1×PLgel 10 μm MiniMix-B (250×4.6 mm)+1×PLgel 10 μm         MiniMix-B (250×4.6 mm)+1×PLgel 10 μm MiniMix-B Guard (50×4.6 mm)     -   Equipment name: Agilent 1200 series system     -   Refractive index detector: Agilent G1362 RID     -   RI temperature: 35° C.     -   Data processing: Agilent ChemStation S/W     -   Test method: Measuring according to OECD TG 118     -   BA content (% by weight): BA content was quantitatively measured         by ¹H NMR analysis or FT-IR analysis. Specific measurement         conditions are as follows.

¹H NMR

-   -   Equipment name: Bruker 600 MHz NMR (AVANCE III HD) CPP BB (1H         19F tunable and broadband, with z-gradient) Prodigy Probe     -   Measurement conditions: ¹H NMR (zg30):ns=32, dl=5s, TCE-d2, at         room temp.

FT-IR

-   -   Equipment name: Agilent Cary 660     -   Measurement conditions: ATR mode     -   Gel content: 30 g of acetone was added to 0.5 g of dry powder of         the prepared thermoplastic resin, agitation was performed at 210         rpm and room temperature for 12 hours using a shaker (SKC-6075,         Lab Companion Co.), centrifugation was performed at 18,000 rpm         and 0° C. for 3 hours using a centrifuge (Supra R30, Hanil         Science Co.) to separate only insoluble matter that was not         dissolved in acetone, and the separated insoluble matter was         dried via forced circulation at 85° C. for 12 hours using a         forced convection oven (OF-12GW, Lab Companion Co.). Then, the         weight of the dried insoluble matter was measured, and gel         content was calculated by Equation 3 below.

Gel content (%)={Weight of insoluble matter (gel)/Weight of sample}×100  [Equation 3]

-   -   Grafting frequency (%) Grafting frequency was measured by         Equation 2 below. In Examples and Comparative Examples, the         weight average molecular weight of parts excluding rubber in         Equation 2 below refers to the weight average molecular weight         of a shell.

Grafting frequency (%)=[Grafting degree/{Weight average molecular weight of parts excluding rubber}]×100  [Equation 2]

-   -   Butyl acrylate (BA) coverage (%): Butyl acrylate

(BA) coverage was measured by Equation 1 below.

X(%)={(G−Y)/Y}×100  [Equation 1]

In Equation 1, G represents the total gel content (%) of the thermoplastic resin, and Y represents the content (% by weight) of butyl acrylate in the gel. Here, the content (% by weight) of butyl acrylate in the gel was quantitatively measured by ¹NMR analysis or FT-IR analysis.

-   -   Elution amount (% by weight) of butyl acrylate: 30 g of acetone         was added to 0.5 g of dry powder of a thermoplastic resin,         agitation was performed at 210 rpm and room temperature for 12         hours using a shaker (SKC-6075, Lab Companion Co.),         centrifugation was performed at 18,000 rpm and 0° C. for 3 hours         using a centrifuge (Supra R30, Hanil Science Co.) to obtain an         acetone solution from which insoluble matter was separated, and         the obtained acetone solution was dried via forced circulation         at 85° C. for 12 hours using a forced convection oven (OF-12GW,         Lab Companion Co.) to obtain a resin sol. Then, ¹NMR analysis or         FT-IR analysis was performed on the resin sol to quantitatively         determine the elution amount of butyl acrylate.     -   Glass transition temperature: Glass transition temperature was         measured at a temperature increase rate of 10° C./min using a         differential scanning calorimeter (DSC, Q100, TA Instruments         Co.) according to ASTM D 3418.     -   Impact strength (¼″; kgf·cm/cm): Impact strength was measured at         a temperature of 23° C. according to ASTM D256.     -   Melt flow index (MI): A melt flow index was measured at a         temperature of 220° C. under a load of 10 kg according to ASTM         D1238. Specifically, a specimen was heated to 220° C. using a         melt indexer (GOETTFERT Co.), the specimen was placed in the         cylinder of the melt indexer, and a load of 10 kg was applied         with a piston. At this time, the weight (g) of a resin melted         and flowing out for 10 minutes was measured, and a melt flow         index was calculated based on the measured value.     -   Colorability (blackness; color L): 1 part by weight of a black         colorant was added to 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic         resin, and a color L value was measured using a color meter         (model name: Color Eye 7000A) according to a CIE 1976 L*a*b*         color system. In this case, “L=100” means pure white, and “L=0”         means pure black. Blackness becomes better as the L value         decreases.     -   Weather resistance (ΔE): Using a specimen prepared by adding 1         part by weight of a black colorant to 100 parts by weight of the         thermoplastic resin, weather resistance was measured using an         accelerated weather resistance tester (Weather-O-Meter, Ci4000,         ATLAS Co., xenon arc lamp, Quartz (inner)/S.Boro (outer)         filters, irradiance of 0.55 W/m² at 340 nm) for 6,000 hours         according to SAE J2527, and then a ΔE value was calculated using         Equation 6 below. ΔE is the arithmetic mean value of Hunter Lab         (L, a, b) values measured before and after the accelerated         weather resistance test. Weather resistance becomes better as         the value of ΔE approaches zero.

ΔE=√{(L−L′)2+(a−a′)2+(b−b′)2} (√: square root sign)  [Equation 6]

-   -   Surface gloss (%): Surface gloss was measured at an incidence         angle of 60° at a temperature of 23° C. using a gloss meter         (VG7000, NIPPON DENSHOKU Co.) according to ASTM D528.     -   Whitening: When the prepared film was bent at 180° in the         longitudinal direction (MD) and the transverse direction (TD),         whether whitening occurred was determined by visual observation         (bending-caused whitening).

In addition, a film having dimensions of 100 mm×100 mm×0.15 mm in width, length, and thickness was prepared. Then, a 1 kg weight (Cat No. 1249, Falling Weight 1 kg) was vertically dropped onto the film from a height of 100 mm at a temperature of 23° C. using a Gardner impact tester (Impact Tester 5545, BYK Gardner Co.), haze values before and after impact were measured for the middle portion of the film hit by the weight according to ASTM D1003-95, and a difference in haze values was calculated by Equation 7 below (dropping-caused whitening).

Difference in haze values=Haze value after dropping−Haze value before dropping  [Equation 7]

Referring to Tables 1 and 2, in the case of bending-caused whitening, when whitening occurs, it is marked as “0”. When whitening does not occur (non-whitening), it is marked as “X”. In the case of dropping-caused whitening, the haze difference values calculated by Equation 7 are shown.

In this case, haze was measured at a temperature of 23° C. using a haze meter (model name: HM-150, MURAKAMI Co.) according to ASTM D1003-95.

TABLE 1 BA content (wt %) in BA Classification thermoplastic resin coverage (%) Example 1 30.1 77.5 Example 2 23.5 116.0 Example 3 26.8 88.8 Example 4 36.8 57.1 Example 5 30.1 72.2 Example 6 30.1 80.9 Example 7 30.1 83.6 Example 8 28.7 97.3 Example 9 25.9 125.2 Example 10 23.1 166.3 Example 11 32.2 67.4 Example 12 36.4 52.8 Example 13 38.3 88.8 Example 14 30.1 77.5 Example 15 30.1 77.5 Example 16 20.5 125.2 Example 17 32.0 72.1 Comparative 42.0 38.0 Example 1 Comparative 17.5 100.0 Example 2 Comparative 19.6 214.3 Example 3 Comparative 38.5 38.6 Example 4 Comparative 17.2 77.5 Example 5 Comparative 51.0 38.0 Example 6 Comparative 52.7 32.7 Example 7 Comparative 38.1 41.0 Example 8 Reference 35.0 98.0 Example 1

TABLE 2 Melt Impact Weather flow index strength Film resistance Colorability Whitening Classification [g/10 min] [kg · cm/cm] gloss (ΔE) (L) TD MD Dropping Example 1 7.8 5.1 132 0.9 23.9 X X 2.3 Example 2 9.6 4.8 135 1.7 24.0 X X 1.8 Example 3 12.5 4.5 138 1.2 24.3 X X 2.1 Example 4 5.6 6.1 126 0.6 23.7 X X 3.7 Example 5 6.3 4.1 130 0.5 23.6 X X 1.6 Example 6 9.6 5.7 126 2.1 24.0 X X 2.5 Example 7 8.2 6.2 124 2.5 24.2 X X 2.8 Example 8 8.2 4.9 134 0.8 23.8 X X 2.2 Example 9 11.8 4.6 136 0.7 23.6 X X 2.0 Example 10 15.2 4.3 139 0.5 23.5 X X 1.8 Example 11 7.2 5.6 126 1.4 23.7 X X 2.0 Example 12 8.9 5.9 123 1.7 23.5 X X 1.4 Example 13 8.3 7.2 125 1.6 24.1 X X 1.5 Example 14 10.3 5.3 121 2.1 24.7 X X 2.4 Example 15 6.4 5.4 124 1.4 24.4 X X 2.6 Example 16 6.2 5.0 108 1.8 24.8 X X 3.9 Example 17 6.7 10.5 118 1.2 24.3 X X 7.2 Comparative 2.6 6.5 92 3.5 24.6 ◯ ◯ 75.8 Example 1 Comparative 8.2 2.1 121 1.3 24.8 ◯ ◯ 43.3 Example 2 Comparative 16.2 1.5 140 1.8 24.4 X X 28.6 Example 3 Comparative 4.2 5.2 98 1.9 24.9 ◯ ◯ 21.6 Example 4 Comparative 10.2 2.3 121 2.1 24.7 ◯ ◯ 39.6 Example 5 Comparative 1.7 8.3 90 3.8 24.8 ◯ ◯ 71.3 Example 6 Comparative 1.3 8.7 86 4.0 24.7 ◯ ◯ 49.8 Example 7 Comparative 5.1 5.4 100 1.8 24.7 ◯ ◯ 19.5 Example 8 Reference 4.5 6.8 99 4.2 25.3 ◯ ◯ 37.6 Example 1

Referring to Tables 1 and 2, in the case of thermoplastic resins (Examples 1 to 17) according to the present invention, the balance between melt flow index and impact strength is properly maintained, and gloss, weather resistance, and colorability are excellent. In particularly, bending-caused whitening is not observed, and a difference in haze values before and after impact caused by dropping is or less, indicating that the thermoplastic resins according to the present invention have excellent non-whitening properties. On the other hand, in the case of thermoplastic resins (Comparative Examples 1 to 8) outside the range of the present invention, the balance between melt flow index and impact strength is not properly maintained, and gloss, weather resistance, and colorability are deteriorated. In addition, whitening is observed upon bending, and a difference in haze values before and after impact caused by dropping is greater than 19, indicating that the thermoplastic resins of Comparative Examples 1 to 8 have poor non-whitening properties.

FIG. 1 includes images taken after bending, in the Md and Td directions, films manufactured in an example (left image) and a comparative example (right image) to check whether whitening occurs. As shown in FIG. 1 , in the case of the example according to the present invention, whitening does not occur at the bent portion, indicating that the example according to the present invention has non-whitening properties. However, in the case of the comparative example outside the scope of the present invention, whitening occurs clearly at the bent portion.

In addition, FIG. 2 includes images taken after hitting, using a Gardner impact tester, films manufactured in an example (left image) and a comparative example (right image) to check whether whitening occurs. As shown in FIG. 2 , similar to FIG. 1 , whitening does not occur at the hit portion of the example according to the present invention, indicating that the example according to the present invention has non-whitening properties. However, in the case of the comparative example outside the scope of the present invention, whitening occurs clearly at the hit portion. 

1. A thermoplastic resin, comprising: an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A), or the copolymer (A) and a matrix resin (B) comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, an alkyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate, wherein a total content of the alkyl acrylate is from 20 to 50% by weight, and a butyl acrylate coverage value (X) as calculated by Equation 1 below is 50 or more: X={(G−Y)/Y}×100,  [Equation 1] wherein G represents a total gel content (%) of the thermoplastic resin, and Y represents a content (% by weight) of butyl acrylate in the gel of the thermoplastic resin.
 2. The thermoplastic resin according to claim 1, wherein the copolymer (A) is present in an amount of from 50 to 100% by weight, and the matrix resin (B) is present in an amount of from 0 to 50% by weight.
 3. The thermoplastic resin according to claim 1, wherein, when the thermoplastic resin is eluted using acetone, an elution amount of the butyl acrylate is 0.1% by weight or more.
 4. The thermoplastic resin according to claim 1, wherein, based on 100% by weight in total of the copolymer (A), the copolymer (A) comprises from 25 to 50% by weight of alkyl acrylate rubber (a-1) having a DLS average particle diameter of from 40 to 120 nm or a TEM average particle diameter of from 25 to 100 nm, and from 50 to 75% by weight of an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate copolymer (a-2).
 5. The thermoplastic resin according to claim 4, wherein the copolymer (A) has a grafting degree of from 60 to 200%, and the copolymer (a-2) has a weight average molecular weight of from 40,000 to 120,000 g/mol.
 6. The thermoplastic resin according to claim 4, wherein the thermoplastic resin, the rubber (a-1), or both the thermoplastic resin and the rubber (a-1) have a glass transition temperature of from −50 to −20° C.
 7. The thermoplastic resin according to claim 4, wherein the rubber (a-1) further comprises an alkyl methacrylate.
 8. The thermoplastic resin according to claim 7, wherein, based on 100% by weight in total of the rubber (a-1), the alkyl methacrylate is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 25% by weight.
 9. The thermoplastic resin according to claim 4, wherein, based on 100% by weight in total of the copolymer (a-2), the copolymer (a-2) comprises from 80 to 99.9% by weight of an alkyl methacrylate and 0.1 to 20% by weight of an alkyl acrylate.
 10. The thermoplastic resin according to claim 4, wherein the copolymer (A) has a grafting frequency of from 0.05 to 0.375% as calculated by Equation 2 below: Grafting frequency (%)=[Grafting degree/{Weight average molecular weight of parts excluding rubber}]×100  [Equation 2].
 11. The thermoplastic resin according to claim 1, wherein the matrix resin (B) comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound-vinyl cyanide compound copolymer, an aromatic vinyl compound-vinyl cyanide compound-alkyl methacrylate copolymer, an alkyl methacrylate polymer, and an alkyl methacrylate-alkyl acrylate copolymer.
 12. The thermoplastic resin according to claim 11, wherein the matrix resin (B) further comprises an aromatic vinyl compound-vinyl cyanide compound-alkyl acrylate copolymer.
 13. The thermoplastic resin according to claim 1, wherein, when the thermoplastic resin is extruded to obtain a film having a thickness of 0.15 mm, and a 1 kg weight is vertically dropped onto the film from a height of 100 mm at a temperature of 23° C. using a Gardner impact tester, a difference in haze values measured before and after impact according to ASTM D1003-95 for an area hit by the weight is 10 or less.
 14. A method of preparing a thermoplastic resin, comprising kneading and extruding an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate graft copolymer (A), or the copolymer (A) and a matrix resin (B) comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound, an alkyl methacrylate, and an alkyl acrylate, wherein a total content of the alkyl acrylate present in the thermoplastic resin is from 20 to 50% by weight, and a butyl acrylate coverage value (X) of the thermoplastic resin as calculated by Equation 1 below is 50 or more: X={(G−Y)/Y}×100,  [Equation 1] wherein G represents a total gel content (%) of the thermoplastic resin, and Y represents a content (% by weight) of butyl acrylate in the gel of the thermoplastic resin.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the copolymer (A) is prepared by a method comprising emulsion-polymerizing 100 parts by weight in total of a monomer mixture comprising from 25 to 50 parts by weight of alkyl acrylate rubber having a DLS average particle diameter of from 40 to 120 nm or a TEM average particle diameter of from 25 to 100 nm; and from 50 to 75 parts by weight of an alkyl acrylate compound and an alkyl methacrylate compound.
 16. A molded article, comprising the thermoplastic resin according to claim
 1. 17. The molded article according to claim 16, wherein the molded article is a finishing material.
 18. The method according to claim 14, wherein, based on 100% by weight in total of the copolymer (A), the copolymer (A) comprises from 25 to 50% by weight of alkyl acrylate rubber (a-1) having a DLS average particle diameter of from 40 to 120 nm or a TEM average particle diameter of from 25 to 100 nm, and from 50 to 75% by weight of an alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate copolymer (a-2). 